Improving Farm Dams
Improving Farm Dams
A farm dam that was fenced off from stock 15 years ago has enhanced environmental, agronomic and economic outcomes of the farm where it is located.
Community Participation -
NSWLP-011-044
The issue
Water quality and riparian vegetation of farm dams can be adversely affected by stock utilising this asset. Stock can cause pugging of dam banks, destroy vegetation through trampling, rubbing and chewing, and decrease the water quality in the dam from their urine and faecal contamination. Constant stock access can also significantly exacerbate soil erosion of dams and surrounding creek-lines. This can adversely affect water quality at a much larger spatial scale.
The solution
Restricting access to farm dams from stock, with the introduction of fencing and a reticulated trough system, can have multiple positive consequences for the water asset, the farm and the surrounding country. A farm in Lockhart, NSW decided to fence off a creek and associated dam from stock in 2007. Native trees and shrubs were direct seeded around the dam and associated creek. A pump was installed and connected to a system of troughs in the surrounding paddocks.
The impact
There was an almost immediate improvement in the water quality of the dam and creek. High quality water supply has agronomic benefits through healthier and happier stock, and therefore improved whole farm economic outcomes from better animal production. This project also recorded improved environmental outcomes from greater biodiversity, reduced erosion and a healthier natural ecosystem.
Key facts
- better water quality
- greater biodiversity
- healthier and happier animal
- better economic farm outcomes
- healthier natural ecosystem at a catchment scale